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A Handbook Of Mystical Theology (The Isbs Western Mystery Tradition Series)

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I am not a saint, so many of the states described can only be hinted at. Written in the mid 1700's, the language may seem dated and awkward, with very long sentences, but the content still if fresh. The most important chapter is on "The Grades of Contemplation" where Scaramelli provides a taxonomy of the stages, their effects and durations. The stages begin with "Infused Recollection", "Spiritual Silence", "The Prayer of Quite", toward finally "Mystical Union", "Rapture" and "Spiritual Marriage". Just to give a taste ""It is in Rapture that levitation occurs (though it is not of itself a proof of Rapture), the body being raised and held suspended in the air; and as this may happen towards the beginning of the state, and before the consciousness is lost, it is possible for the contemplative to realize what is happening."

Some of this reminds me of discussion of states of consciousness of the Hindus, or William James. Before modern psychology, the descriptions of the states, uses the theory of species: "each of the exterior senses is put into motion by a species impressa, a quality that is, which in condition with the external sense produces a sensation" .. The worry of this catalog of states is that one does it to seek the experiences. In fact the book touched on this, and discusses periods of "Aridity".